Women’s Ministry Minute
May 20, 2020
With Jessica Zindars
As the weeks stretch into months of being in quarantine, the angst people feel at this new normal we have found ourselves in is palpable. Emotions are flying high and our country can sometimes feel like it’s splitting at the seams. I’ve witnessed a lot of name-calling, hatred, putting down of others on social media (I’ve not seen this from any disciples, just in general). It makes sense - this division has been present all along, but our current situation just highlights it. People are scared, angry, hurting, and lonely, and some feel this is how they need to respond in order to be heard. Satan is taking full advantage and loves to cause chaos. As Christians, we are certainly not immune to this, and feeling those emotions is normal and ok. It’s fine to have differing opinions, political views, and thoughts on the best way to move forward. But how do we respond to those who disagree with us? How do we treat each other and those around us during this time of crisis? How can we be that shining light to the world? I thought about Romans 12 (the whole chapter really, but especially vs 9-18)
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
This doesn’t mean we can’t have our own thoughts and opinions. It does mean we need to love and respect others who don’t share our same views. I have been praying for eyes of empathy, and to see people the way Jesus does. Pray for our political leaders and try to respect the decisions they make, even if you think they are doing a poor job. Pray for the people spewing hate, and see them through the lens of empathy - people who at their core are deeply hurting. Pray for those who are losing jobs, homes, and seeing things they have worked for all of their lives crumble. Lend them a listening ear, and prayer of comfort. But also rejoice! Rejoice that this world is not our home, that we have the promise of heaven to look forward to. Someday we will be in a place with no tears, no hatred, no chaos. Spread that hope during this scary time ❤️ Love to you all!